4 questions - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

I was asked the following questions: - anyone have any thoughts?

  1. The early part of the guidebook mentions that permits may be needed in some places, then they’re never mentioned again. So I’m going to guess
    that I don’t need a permit… is this a good guess?

  2. The guide also mentions planned reroutes, one west of Twin Lakes taking a more direct route and leaving T.L.s off of the trail, and one around Hope Pass. Do you know whether either one of these reroutes has been completed?

  3. I know I’ll have to do more tracking of this years nowfall, but is July 4th generally too early to head ut from Denver? And if I leave that early how bad would the bugs be?

  4. And the “Damn it would be nice” question… does the trail happen to pass by any natural hot springs?

Mathew Olsen

#2

What I know at this point is limited. I don’t know anything about the permits, reroutes or the hot springs. These are all good questions that I will look into, and when I find something out I will post it here.

As for snowfall and start date. I would really like to start in June (which isn’t recommended by the foundation) but I am worried about the snowfall amounts. At first I though they suggested a later start because of Avalanches, but they said that there isn’t much danger out there. A later start is best if there is a lot of snow late in the season in order to avoid the need for snowshoes. If there is not much snow (like last season) one can start as early as April.

As far as bugs go… I didn’t notice any last summer. Colorado tends to be windy which keeps the bugs away.

Length on the trail? At first I was hoping to spend about 4 weeks hiking the trail, but now I think I will try to spend six weeks out there. I don’t want to be rushed out there, and I wouldn’t mind climbing some 14ers on the way through.

Mathew OLsen

#3

Permits: No permits are needed. - That’s what the backpacker magazine article said…

Mathew Olsen

#4

Hey!

In response to your questions:

  1. No permits are needed on the CT. In Waterton Canyon you cannot bring any pets(first 8 miles).

2)I do not know about the reroutes, but the Colorado Trail Foundation has a pretty good section on their website with trail conditions. ALso the fifth edition of the guidebook just came out,although I haven’t seen it yet.

  1. I think July 4th would be okay- I’ve hiked all over the state at that time of year and the bugs aren’t bad (in my opinion)- but I also hiked the Maine AT section in black-fly season, so…maybe I am immune.

  2. YES YES YES And YES—There are natural hot springs right near Mt. Princeton (Road 162)—lovely treat-do not miss!

If you need anything I am in the Denver area and am a friend to hikers–I am starting my hike in September.
Cheers and Happy Trails!

Cross Country

#5

From what the book I have says (Colorado Trail: the Official Guidebook, 2000), there has been a re-route on the CT avoiding Hope pass. It’s a lot shorter and lower than the old route, which was a killer (I know, I did it with a 50+ pound pack). The other re-route you mention, the Gunnison Spur, hasn’t been completed and the book doesn’t detail it.

I couldn’t tell you about the bugs. Last year there weren’t any when I was out there in late July. The year before there were mosquitoes all over, even above 12,000ft.

Matthew Maxwell